Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Ulick Burke

Question:

287 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the grants, if any, which will be provided for the construction and development of the new canal link from the River Suck to Ballinasloe town, County Galway from his Department or from any other Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18008/97]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The project to link Ballinasloe town to the River Shannon via the River Suck is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Operational Programme for Tourism.

The expenditure already incurred, and which will be expended on this project to the end of 1997, is of the following order:

	£
1994	50,000
1995	3,000
1996	205,000
1997	500,000 (estimated)

Satisfactory progress is being maintained on the project, with much of the dredging work on the river bed completed. Dredging work has ceased at present due to seasonal water levels but it is hoped to recommence when the water recedes. Construction of the lock chamber on the canal section of the project is almost completed and it is expected that the lock gates will be installed and a control house built over the forthcoming months. Engineers and other technical staff of my Department are currently examining a number of sites at Ballinasloe with regard to their suitability for the positioning of a floating jetty. It is anticipated that the project will be completed by the end of next season.